The draft review 4,189 acres would be disturbed during construction, crossing 245 miles of forest in Virginia and impacting 865 acres of core forest areas of forest in West Virginia. The 301 mile-long pipeline would require a 50-foot-wide permanent operational easement, and three compressor stations along the route.

Environmental opponents say the report does not sufficiently evaluate public need for the pipeline, citing a report that says the gas industry is overbuilding the pipeline infrastructure in the two states. FERC will accept comments on its environmental review until December 22nd.

In a rare unified effort, Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito joined with Representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney, Evan Jenkins, and Governor Tomblin today to petition president Obama on behalf of flood victims in the state.